If you’re looking for a sign to make pasta, then this is it! There are several types of spaghetti noodles that you may want to consider, so in this article, we will help you select the best spaghetti noodles for your next dish with our buying guide fact-checked by nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales and a top 7 list.
Quick List - Top Spaghetti Noodles
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Most pasta varieties, including spaghetti, are made of flour and water. However, certain types of flour are known to be high in carbohydrates and low in protein, so people tend to look for pasta that caters to their diet or lifestyle. Luckily, there are available spaghetti noodles that prove that pasta can be healthy too.
Most noodles available in groceries are made of refined wheat flour. Some people prefer to buy this variant due to its longer shelf life and budget-friendly price. Others also find this tastier than other types of spaghetti noodles. However, most of the nutrients get stripped off during the refining process. Hence, this type of pasta may not be the healthiest choice.
Another thing to take note of is that refined wheat can spike up your blood sugar level. But if you still crave white pasta, you may pair it with vegetables or food that is rich in protein, such as fish or chicken, to balance the nutrients out. Also, eating white pasta won’t hurt if you eat it in moderate portions.
Aside from adding proteins such as fish or chicken to the pasta, you may add good fats/oils to it to feel fuller and add more nutrients. Examples are extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
Unlike white pasta, noodles made of whole wheat are a healthier option. It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin E, antioxidants, essential fats, protein, and fiber. Consuming dietary fiber is important as it can help lower the risk of certain health concerns, including type-2 diabetes and obesity. It also takes care of your digestive system.
As for protein, it helps build and repair your muscles, which is why it's a vital component in your balanced diet. If you want to watch your calories, whole wheat pasta tends to be more filling, so it can regulate your appetite.
For diabetics, you may want to select this type of pasta as well due to its lower glycemic index. Overall, whole wheat pasta contains a lot of health benefits, so it's a great alternative to regular white pasta.
Gluten is a type of protein that is usually found in grains, including wheat. It is associated with certain diseases in the immune system, such as celiac disease, which is why some people avoid food with gluten. Some people also go gluten-free due to its claimed benefits like weight loss and higher energy.
There are several types of gluten-free pasta that you can try out. One of the most popular variants is brown rice pasta, known for its good texture and high nutrient content. Another type is quinoa pasta, which has a grainy texture and distinct taste. There are also gluten-free variants that are a blend of both.
Also known as miracle or konjac noodles, this type of spaghetti is made from a fiber called glucomannan, which boasts many health benefits. If you’re targeting to shed a few pounds, replace your regular pasta with shirataki, as this type of noodle can help you lose weight. It has zero calories, but it also makes you full at the same time, so you won’t have to worry about overeating.
Moreover, the glucomannan in shirataki noodles can help lower both your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may look and smell different from the typical pasta, but shirataki spaghetti noodles retain the al dente quality like regular pasta. However, make sure to rinse it well before cooking to remove the fishy smell.
When food is called “organic,” it is instantly associated with being healthy. Always check whether it complies with the required standards. For one, it must not have undergone any process that involves synthetic chemicals. It should also be GMO-free.
An important thing to look out for when buying organic pasta is the flour used. An example of this is organic durum wheat semolina. Most organic pasta has a label on its packaging, so you won’t miss it out.
Spaghetti translates to “little twine” due to its long and string-like shape. It has variations depending on thickness, including spaghettini, spaghettoni, and angel hair. Choose between spaghettini or angel hair if you prefer lighter and thinner noodles. Spaghettini is slightly thicker than angel hair—both are perfect for light tomato-based sauces and soups, as well as seafood pasta dishes.
If you want to go for thicker noodles, the spaghettoni may satisfy your cravings. It has a wider diameter than regular spaghetti, so it can fully capture the flavor of the sauces. It’s also quick and easy to cook despite being thicker, so you won’t have to worry about waiting longer. Try this variation when cooking dishes like carbonara and the traditional Filipino spaghetti.
Spaghetti noodles are packed in various sizes. If you're living on your own, there are 175-gram packs, which is just enough for one person with an extra serving. Budget-saver spaghetti sets are also available for convenience. The noodles are usually bundled with other ingredients such as sauces, toppings, and even ice cream!
If you're planning a dinner party or Noche Buena, a pack of 2.5-kilo pasta is recommended. You won't have to worry about too many left-overs since you can reheat them and eat the spaghetti for the next few days!
If 2.5 kg is too much for you, a kilo of spaghetti noodles can already make 8-10 servings, which is enough for the family's pasta cravings on a regular day. Aside from these, there are also other options, such as 400-gram and 500-gram packs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Del Monte Spaghetti Pasta Italiana | ![]() | A Handaan Staple From a Trusted Brand | |
2 | Barilla Integrale Whole Wheat Spaghetti | ![]() | Level Up Your Fiber Intake With Pasta | |
3 | Royal Premium Spaghetti | ![]() | Remains Firm Even if You Overcook | |
4 | El Real Healthy Spaghetti | ![]() | Spaghetti With a Hearty and Nutritious Twist | |
5 | Balducci Spaghettini | ![]() | Thin Noodles Perfect for Seafood Pasta Recipes | |
6 | Fiesta Spaghetti Pasta | ![]() | Affordable and Cooks in Just 8 Minutes | |
7 | Barilla Italian Pasta Spaghettoni | ![]() | Spaghettoni Noodles for Oil-Based Sauces |
We usually associate Filipino-style spaghetti with the brand Del Monte. Their Pasta Italiana noodles are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It is quick and easy to cook, achieving al dente quality in just 10 minutes. Aside from this 2.5-kilo pack, it is also available in smaller sizes, such as 175, 400, and 900 grams.
Not only does Del Monte offer high-quality noodles, but it also has a variety of sauces to pair your pasta with. If you're cooking for a gathering, you can buy their party pack, where you can select between Filipino-style sauce or carbonara sauce. These bundles can cook up to 20 plates.
Barilla has been producing high-quality pasta for over 140 years. They also offer other pasta variants like long, short, filled, and many more. The Spaghetti Integrale is part of their long pasta variants and the whole wheat range.
It only has two ingredients: whole wheat semolina pasta and water. It is an excellent source of fiber, and reviewers say that they enjoy the taste and texture. It cooks in just 8 minutes and goes well with light sauces. If you're busy and don't have much time to cook, just mix into a pan with olive oil, tomatoes, and parsley for a simple yet tasty meal!
One of the most popular spaghetti brands in the Philippines is Royal. It has been in the industry for over 100 years, catering to the taste of Filipinos. These premium noodles are made of hard wheat semolina, so you won't have to worry about soggy noodles. It retains its shape and firmness even if you overcook for 15 minutes.
Additionally, this pasta contains iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B2. If you're preparing for celebrations, you may opt to get the Fiesta bundle. This comes with 800 grams of spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, and hotdogs. There's also a bundle with Selecta ice cream, perfect for birthday parties.
While durum semolina pasta is already healthy due to its high protein content, El Real decided to offer a healthier version filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This pasta has malunggay and carrot bits, providing you with more nutrients in every strand!
It is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, and it has no cholesterol or fat! With this pasta, you can easily add all these essential nutrients in your diet without the veggie taste. Plus, the high-quality semolina used in the pasta ensures that the individual strands are always firm and al dente.
Is angel hair too thin for you? Spaghettini is a thinner version of regular spaghetti noodles but thicker than angel hair. It may be a little rare to find in grocery stores, but luckily, Balducci offers affordable yet traditional Spaghettini pasta that is available on e-commerce platforms.
It is made from Australian durum wheat, which is known for its quality and hardness. This pasta is perfect for different kinds of sauces, may it be cream-based or oil-based. Use this spaghettini if you're craving seafood-based sauces topped with shrimp and clams!
Are you looking for budget-friendly noodles for your next party? Fiesta's spaghetti pasta offers an affordable option that is made from high-quality imported wheat flour. It cooks in just 8 minutes, so it's perfect for large gatherings wherein you'll have to cook lots of dishes.
These noodles are available in 800g party-size packs, which can cook up to approximately 6-8 servings. Pair this with your favorite sweet spaghetti sauce for a perfect combination. It is also available in spaghettipid bundles that include spaghetti noodles and a 3-cheese spaghetti sauce.
You've seen thinner noodles, but what about thick ones? Staying true to its brand, Barilla offers a wide range of pasta choices, including spaghettoni. If you want an alternative to average-sized spaghetti, go for wider ones. These thick noodles are a great source of energy and can keep you full for a long time.
Its thicker strands do not affect the cooking time, as you'll only need to boil it for 10 minutes. Cook the noodles for an additional 2 minutes if you want them to be more tender. Spaghettoni can capture the flavor of simple sauces better, such as Aglio olio, pesto, and other oil-based pasta dishes.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
No. In general, spaghetti noodles are made of various forms of wheat flour and, therefore, contain gluten. If you have Celiac disease and are sensitive to gluten, make sure to read the label of the product to ensure that it is a gluten-free alternative.
Most packaged dried pasta in the supermarket is vegan. Fresh pasta, however, has eggs and is not considered as vegan.
No. Contrary to popular belief, oil does not help pasta from sticking together. In fact, it only makes it slippery. It's best to simply put salt in your pasta before boiling to enhance its taste.
May it be for a birthday party, noche buena or just a simple lunch or dinner at home, you can never go wrong with serving a pasta dish. Prepare for your next pasta night with some of our recommended cheeses and sauces.
Author: Sophie S.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Del Monte|Spaghetti Pasta Italiana
No. 2: Barilla|Integrale Whole Wheat Spaghetti
No. 3: Royal|Premium Spaghetti
No. 4: El Real|Healthy Spaghetti
No. 5: Balducci|Spaghettini
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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